Sergeant Erin Marie Hehl, Illinois State Police, Illinois

Sergeant Erin Marie Hehl

Illinois State Police, Illinois

End of Watch Thursday, October 30, 1997

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Erin Marie Hehl

Sergeant Erin Hehl was killed when the helicopter she was in crashed during a training exercise.

Sergeant Hehl was flying with a civilian pilot at suburban Frankfort Airport in the department's helicopter known as AirOne. They were practicing touch-and-go landings when one of the skids of the A-Star Eurocopter got stuck in the mud, causing the helicopter to flip over. The civilian pilot was killed as well. Sergeant Hehl had 70 hours of flight experience, but it is unknown who was at the controls at the time of the crash.

Sergeant Hehl had served with the Illinois State Police for 11 years. She is survived by her husband, son, and stepson.

Sergeant Hehl was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 11 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Aircraft accident

helicopter crash, training

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Most Recent Reflection

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Oh my, Erin, it is October 30 2025!
I'm not sure, I seem to end up here, talking to you and shedding some tears. I am still scarred from your signing me up for the cow milking contest at the state fair. Jill and I remember and relive those EPIC moments!

You are still deeply missed.

Jane Tipsword ISP M/Sgt. (ret)
Illinois State Police

October 30, 2025